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Calcasieu Parish jury defers condemnation; homeowner given 60 days to address fire damage
Summary
At its March 12 meeting the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury deferred action for 60 days on a condemnation case after homeowner Chelsea A. Brooks said a house on the property had burned and she is working alone to clear debris and repair a manufactured home. Staff directed Brooks to meet with code enforcement to obtain permits and milestones.
The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury on March 12 deferred for 60 days a condemnation order tied to a fire‑damaged property after the owner asked for more time to clean and repair the site.
Chelsea A. Brooks told the jury she has been working alone to clear debris from a burned house and to repair a manufactured home on the parcel. "I'm looking for at least maybe 6 months," Brooks said when asked what schedule she needed to bring the property into compliance.
Code enforcement staff, represented at the meeting by Mr. Crane, said the manufactured home had been moved onto the lot "without benefit of a permit," that the structure had been posted following inspection and that the fire scorched siding and some windows. Crane recommended the owner obtain required permits and replace the damaged windows and siding rather than merely boarding them up.
Juror Mr. Smith moved and Mr. Stey seconded a motion to defer the case for 60 days to allow Brooks to begin repairs and secure the proper paperwork. The motion carried with no recorded objections. Members advised Brooks to meet with Mr. Crane after the meeting to review the permits and milestones staff will use to judge progress and to request additional time if needed.
The deferral sets a 60‑day checkpoint rather than imposing immediate condemnation and removal. If the owner does not make demonstrable progress and secure required permits within that period, the jury may revisit formal removal steps.
Next steps: Brooks is to consult with Mr. Crane about permit requirements and the timeline for next actions; the jury recorded the deferment on the public docket.
